Le Metier de Beaute Creme Fresh Tint in Tenne

I DVR the show Bones every week. The characters are attractive, it's interesting and well-written and everything wraps up neatly at the end of the hour. Despite trying to keep my attention on the plot, I find that I spend the majority of the show captivated by the lead character's (Dr. Temperance Brennan's) blush! It's the perfect pinky nude shade that's subtle but there and with a dewiness that indicateds either fabulous lighting or a cream formula. I've spent way too much time attempting to find a suitable duplicate and I think I've finally found one!

Le Metier de Beaute's Creme Fresh Tint's are sheer, radiant cream blushes that retail for $28 each. They leave a dewy finish behind similar to Julie Hewett Cheekies but these have more slip and blend easier. Tenne is a pink nude (the other shade, Poppy, is a bright corally pink) that I can see working for most fair to deep medium skin tones. I ordered it from Neiman Marcus which currently has free shipping at any price with code SHOPNM. I may not have Booth's heart like she does, but at least now I can have Brennan's blush!

Edward Bess Mini Review

During the Bergdorf Goodman Beauty Event I picked up Edward Bess Eye Shadow in Intimate and Lipstick in Pule Impulse.

I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed in the eye shadow ($30) when I got it home. It wasn't that it's not a fabulous color (Intimate is a golden taupey brown with a hint of khaki), its just that no matter what I did, I couldn't get it to look like the murky grayed green it appeared when applied on me in the store. I tried different bases, different brushes, read different blog reviews...and then I realized that it was Dusk applied at the counter, not Intimate, and I came home with the wrong shadow! I quick pop into the store later, I had Dusk shadow in my hands and am a happy camper!

Dusk is similar to Intimate in that it's a complex blend of shades, but leans more towards the cooler, grayer side. A taupe-infused gray with shimmer in the pan, the shadow's clean undertones come out when applied. It blends wonderfully and looks great alone lash to crease or used with other colors. The shimmer is sophisticated but keeps the lids looking luminous and not crepey. A deep color can easily leave my eyes looking bruised, but this is the right mix of tones to create deep color without leaving me looking like I've lost a fight.

Pure Impulse ($32) is a great compliment to Dusk. It's a nude that leans slightly pinky peach on me. The closest shade I have to this is Bobbi Brown Blush (on the left below) which is inker, cooler, and has more beige. The lipstick has no shimmer but doesn't look thick and heavy on the lips the way some cream formulas can. It lasts decently well, leaving a slight stain behind, and smells of figs but I don't find it overwhelming or cloying. The case is a chic black that snaps closed well. I've worn the lipstick several times and it has not dried out my lips, though I would not describe the formula as slick or glossy. Pure Impulse is a great basic lipstick on days I want that "my lips but better" look.

Bobbi Brown Blush, left; Edward Bess Pure Impulse, right:

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose

I love the original Flowerbomb fragrance. It's deep and warm and appeals to me even though I generally dislike florals and prefer more gourmand scent. I don't wear Flowerbomb during the day as I find it on the strong side, but love it in the evenings and for going out. When I saw the gorgeous bottle for the new Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose, I had to try it! On first spritz this smells like the original with a hint of rose and some citrus. Delicious, but what would the drydown be like? Well, it's very much like the original on me only slightly "brighter"! That's not a bad thing since I adore the original, I'm not sure that I can justify the extra $80 right now given the similarity. Citrus tends to fade almost instantly on me so this may work differently on other chemistry. Nonetheless, it's a yummy fragrance in a stunning bottle and eminently worthy of a sample!

Shimmery Complex Roses

I tend to gravitate towards interesting colors. No straight pinks or greens for me! I like complex, multidimensional colors--murky taupey browns, iridescent pinky browns, luminous reddish pinky peaches. These shades are all what I'd considering interesting. They're all a blend of several tones and are of varying depths. If pressed for a one word description I'd use "rose," but that would belie the complexity of the shades.

From left to right: Origins Rose Gold, Shiseido SL13, Dolce and Gabbana Naked, Julie Hewett Nude Noir, Clinique Gingerfrost, Lancome Rendez-Vous

Same order as before: Origins Rose Gold, Shiseido SL13, Dolce and Gabbana Naked, Julie Hewett Nude Noir, Clinique Gingerfrost, Lancome Rendez-Vous

This Week's Hautelook and Gilt Sales

Some pretty good beauty stuff this week! Hautelook will also have Chloe, Mike & Chris, Viv & Ingrid Jewelry and American Apparel, all lines I really like. It should be an expensive but exciting week!

Hautelook:
Monday- Mario Badescu
Tuesday- LORAC, Rapidlash
Wednesday- 100% Pure
Thursday- Elemis

Gilt:
Wednesday- Caudalie Spa at the Plaza, Kai Fragrance
Thursday- Clarins

What's In My Shower Right Now

I am definitely a shower and not a bath girl. Here is what's I've currently got crammed in there:

• Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo
• Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner
• Neil George Intense Repair Mask
• Neil George Detangle Nourishment Spray
• Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
• Red Flower Ocean Shampoo
• Red Flower Ocean Conditioner

• Nude Skincare Facial Cleansing Wash
• Philosophy Amazing Grace 3-in-1
• Origins Ginger Burst Body Wash
• California Baby Sensitive Baby Wash
• Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Soap

• Carol's Daughter Body Aches Bath Salts (I sprinkle these on the floor of the shower for an aromatherapy treatment)
• LaLicious Sugar Souffle Scrubs in Coconut Cream, Coffee Bean and Island Guava
• Pangea Organics Facial Scrub- Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle
• Avalon Organics Shave Cream
• Clarisonic Mia

New Wishlist Item!

I am a huge sucker for cream blushes and even though I have one on order (the new Le Metier de Beaute Creme Fresh Tint in Tenne) I'm already clamoring for another one! The new Stila One Step PrimeColor is paraben and fragrance free and sounds perfect for summer!

"This revolutionary new formula combines primer, eyeshadow, highlighter, lip color, cheek color, and bronzer with mineral pigments to deliver an innovative, high-definition, long-wearing, all-over color. One Step PrimeColor is formulated with Stila's Youth Revival Bio-Available Mineral Complex™, which reads and reacts to the skin zone-by-zone, visibly priming, balancing, correcting, and optimizing for a supremely flawless finish. The formula is hydrating and balancing and and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Shades will include matte or shimmer finishes."

It's $22, comes in 6 shades (Capri Coral is calling me) and is available on Sephora.

Savings From Two Brands I Love

I adore my Stem Organics Hydrating Facial Fluid. It provides moisture and antioxidants without being sticky or greasy and the ingredients are simple, effective, and good for the skin. For summer I'm going to switch to the lighter Exquisite Facial Fluid and now is the perfect time since the line is offering 20% off products at their site with code Mama2010 through April 28th.

Another favorite line, Jurlique, is offering 25% off all online orders with code EARTHDAY through tomorrow. Jurlique will also donate a portion of all sales to help support local botanical gardens in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. This might be a great time to try the adorable travel sets and the new raved-about Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator.

Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Zero-Humidity Frizz Control

Several weeks ago I colored my unprocessed, stick-straight, frizz free hair with the ill-named Loreal Healthy Look Creme Gloss Color, a semi-permanent dye that promised to wash out in 28 shampoos and "take [my] hair beyond shiny to glossy gorgeous color that's never dull or fake." Ever since then, my hair has been a horrid, staticky mess that nothing will ameliorate. Brushing or running my fingers through my hair, which sits almost plastered to my head all day, results in the "finger in the light socket" look that is anything but flattering. I've tried everything I can to fix this--I bought a new brush, new shampoos and conditioners, have used dish soap and clarifying products, a humidifier, multiple styling products, even static guard and dryer sheets, all to no avail. I'm at my wit's end and am resigned to wearing my hair up every day since it looks and feels so awful.

I went to the Fekkai counter at Bergdorf Goodman today in desperate need of salvation. The counter manager ran her fingers through my hair and immediately saw what I was talking about--the touch of her fingers made my hair nearly stand on end and her colleague joking asked if I'd been struck by lightening. She said that she had never seen anything like it before and whether it was out of pity or simple curiosity, offered to make me several product samples I could use at home to fix this disaster. She applied to Glossing Cream (which didn't have much of an effect) and left to get the samples when I spotted the Marine Summer Hair Zero-Humidity Frizz Control, a "weightless, alcohol-free mist with sea-algae extract blocks humidity while sealing in hydration to keep hair sleek for all-day frizz and flyaway protection. UV Shield helps prevent fading and applied it.

First of all, this smells AMAZING. Amazing, like a tropical beachy drink in a bottle with notes of pineapple and coconut. If it came in a cream I'd slather myself in it top to toe. Though it's meant to be applied to wet hair, I sprayed some into the palm of my hand and ran my fingers through my hair. Lo and behold, no static! I kept touching my hair over and over and the static did not return. I have no idea if this is merely temporary, but the momentary elation at have static-free hair for the first time in weeks coupled with the divine scent drove my straight to the register for my $23 bottle of elixir. If all else fails I'll wear it as perfume.

My Bergdorf Goodman Haul

Bergdorfs was a madhouse today! The gift Beauty Event is in full swing, and you'll receive $25 off a $100 purchase on the beauty level, in addition to the gifts with purchase that many brands are offering. I had a difficult time deciding what to buy, and ultimately settled on Le Metier de Beaute Fresh Creme Tint in Tenne, Edward Bess Eye Shadow in Intimate, Edward Bess Lipstick in Pure Impulse and a replacement Clinique Take the Day Off Balm. Unfortunately the Le Metier proved to be out of stock, and I had to make a game time decision about a replacement. I ultimately ended up with Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Zero Humidity Frizz Control which I'll post about separately.

Pure Impulse: a warm nude. This looks a bit gray for a minute or so after application, but then melds with my lips to create a stunning natural shade. This lipstick is full coverage with no shimmer.
Intimate: a golden brown with strong khaki tones. Or a khaki with golden brown tones. It's a fabulous shade on my murky green eyes. It's very blendable and the shimmer is subtle.

Intimate and Pure Impulse:
The new Edward Bess Compact Rouge is gorgeous as well. It's a deep burnt rose with a stain-like texture. It looks dark in the pot but blends out well with a dewy quality.

I was helped but the most fabulous sales associate, Eileen, at the Kiehls counter. She could not have been nicer or more patient and she included a veritable slew of Kiehls samples for me to try. Please let me know if you'd like her contact information.

I ordered the Le Metier from Neiman Marcus with their free ship code, NMSHOP and it's due to ship next week.

What Would You Buy for $11?

I placed my Bergdorf Goodman Beauty Event preorder last week, and just found out today that the Le Metier de Beaute Fresh Creme Tint in Tenne that I ordered is out of stick, will not be restocked during the event, and cannot be charged and later sent, meaning that I need to select another item in its place to qualify for the $100 minimum. Right now I'm $11 short and having trouble coming up with something else, either another similar cream blush or another product altogether. So...help me out! What would you buy?

Do You Wear Fragrance Daily?

I have a collection of about a dozen or so fragrances that I wear frequently, and have had two Bond No. 9 fragrances on my wish list forever (So New York and Nuits de Noho, which are fabulous mixed together, even more so than each individually). Some of my favorites are light and airy (Philosophy Falling in Love, Elizabeth W Sweet Tea, Diptique Oyedo) while others are deeper and more heady (Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, Poupee de Rochas, Ginestet Botrytis). Despite liking fragrance, I am extremely conscious of the fact that many suffer from fragrance sensitivity and allergies, and I rarely wear any to work or in situation where I will be in close proximity to strangers. For example, I think that perfume should be banned at the gym, on trains, planes, buses (basically any place where the person next to you cannot easily escape)! Heavy scents are an instant migraine for me and for some reason I find that those who wear the most offensive fragrances tend to apply them with liberal abandon. I was nearly put into a Tresor-induced coma on the bus home yesterday by the woman whom I can only assume washes her clothes or bathes in the stuff. The fragrance permeated the entire interior of the bus, and this was at 6PM. I can only imagine how strong the scent must have been when freshly applied. Regardless of personal preference or taste in scents (and I think fragrance is highly personal), I believe that a person should have to be close enough to touch you to deduce that you're wearing perfume.

What is your opinion on fragrance? Do you wear it daily? What are some of your favorites?

Has Anything Intrigued You Lately?

Is there anything you're dying to try? I usually add items to my wish list after I've tried them, but every now and then I'll read or hear about something I haven't come upon and it piques my interest. Right now I'm really jonesing to track down and try:

• Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Bronzed and Sunkissed- I love the idea of a sheer, dewy, multipurpose color stick, especially when it's organic and packed with good for you ingredients. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be available locally to test. Their lip glosses look lovely as well.
• Theo Bread and Chocolate Bar- dark chocolate with buttery, toasted artisan breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt. I hope it's worth the trip to the gym it will necessitate!
• RMS Beauy Lip2Cheek- similar in concept to the Revolution Organics but in pot form and for lips and cheeks only and they seem denser and not as dewy. The color Promise looks nice online but I can't test them anywhere around here.
• Crest 3D Professional Effects- super high powered whitening strips that supposedly outperform its predecessors.
• Pure Fiji Coconut Milk Shampoo and Coconut Creme Conditioner- sulfate-free and the scents! Coconut, Passionflower, Starfruit, Mano, Frangipani and more! It sounds like a trip to Hawaii in your shower! I have to track these down somehow.

Testing Testing 123: Eye Creams (Part 4)

I've been using Nude Skincare Advanced Eye Complex for several weeks after generously receiving a sample of it from Nude. To reiterate my eye area concerns, I have the world's worst dark circles that are hereditary but exacerbated by allergies, puffiness and dryness that concealer magnifies.

"The complete eye treatment, this cream firms and lifts the delicate skin around the eyes while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pure Acacia Extract delivers an immediate, dramatic lift, powerful antioxidant CoQ10 and Organic Mountain Ash diminish dark circles and puffiness and Milk Peptides stimulate collagen production to tone the eye area. Contains anti-aging probiotics."

The Advanced Eye Complex retails for $88.

I love my Nude Facial Cleansing Wash and was really hoping to love this too! Luckily, it's a really nice product. I didn't notice a big difference in my dark circles but frankly, I don't think that anything short of filler injections will lend a serious improvement. I just have to give up on the notion that a topically applied eye cream can really effect hereditary circles and the thin skin under my eyes that allows the blood vessels to show.

I was impressed with the way the Eye Complex worked on my puffiness. Over the last few weeks the puffiness has definitely diminished, and the mornings when I wake up with it, I apply some of this and wait a few minutes for the swelling to go down. I also use it on my eye lid on days when they are puffy and see an improvement there as well.

The Advanced Eye Complex also provides a really nice base for my under eye concealer even though it is silicone free. I have not experienced any milia at all since using it which is sometimes a problem for me when I use a really moisturizing cream. This product has a nice fluid texture and dispenses though a hygienic pump. It absorbs quickly so that your concealer looks fresh but still provides hydration.

I really like to support natural and organic lines, those with quality, effective products but without ingredients like parabens, propylene glycol, phthlates, GMOs and am happy that Nude Skincare is available in this niche. After my success with the cleanser (which now comes in a small size with a smaller price tag) and now the eye cream, I'm interested in trying the moisturizer and possibly a mask.

Does anyone else have any experiences with this line?

A Great Cheap TJMaxx Find to Start the Weekend!

A TJMaxx opened recently near my apartment, and I stopped in today to check it out. I firmly believe that there are Loehmann's people and there are TJMaxx people, similar to the way hat there are glass half full and glass half empty people. Falling squarely in the Loehmann's camp, I did feel a twinge of guilt as I entered the store. I've read stories of shoppers people stumbling onto prestige brands like NARS at TJMaxx, but mine merely had some old Clinique and Philosophy. I hate to leave a store empty handed so I took a closer look at some of the beauty offerings and noticed this brush by Lilique. It's called the Shading Brush (medium).

When I went to Bergdorfs to place my Beauty Event pre-order yesterday, I really wanted to pick up the Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush, but hesitated when I realized it was $40. To me that's the cost of a blush brush, not a small shadow brush. Lo and behold, in my opinion this Lilique brush is a decent dupe and cost all of a whopping $3.99! Now I have no idea what this thing is made of (it feels like natural hair), I doubt the bristles are hand-shaped like the Bess ones and this certainly doesn't come in a signature black box, but I saved $36 which nearly covered the cost of my Sephora haul from the other day. If you have a TJMaxx near you, it's worth a quick look to see if they carry this brush. It deposits a wash of color onto the lid and crease very nicely.

My Gossip Girl Eye

Unfortunately I look nothing like Blake Lively (the actress who plays Serena Van Der Woodsen on Gossip Girl) and no amount of plastic surgery ever make me will, but that doesn't stop me from loving the eye makeup her character has been sporting in the last few episodes! She wears a super-sparkly very light champagne on her lid and a peachy brown subtly in the crease with a dark brown very close to the lash line. It's absolutely gorgeous and soft and even though our coloring and features could not be more different, I had to try to emulate it. I used MAC Lily White Pigment damp on the lid and on my brow bone, and a blend of the peach and soft taupey brown from Kevyn Aucoin Eye Essential Palette 1 in the crease. I lined close to my lashes with Espresso from Calvin Klein used wet. Korres mascara finished the look. It didn't turn me into Blake but I'm happy with the result--soft and pretty with enough shimmer to look special.

Stila Twilight Shadow (or My Small Sephora Haul)

I really wanted the new Josie Maran sunscreen from Sephora but it's not yet stocked in any stores in the city. This meant that if I wanted to take advantage of the VIB 15% off, I'd have to place an online order and needed to spend an additional $18 to receive free shipping. Spend $18 to save $6. I know, it's perverse.

I've never worn a silver eye shadow in my life but all of a sudden I had a craving for one that I had to satisfy, kind of like when I pass Crumbs and I know that the last thing I need is a cupcake and yet I'm powerless to resist. After perusing Sephora for some time, I settled on Stila Twilight. [Just as an aside, when did Stila eye shadows become $18 for the pan with another $2 for the case? Back in my freshman year of college when my whole collection was Stila I think they were an extremely reasonable $14. I do not want to pay $20 for a shadow by a company that makes a talking lip palette, but maybe that's just my preference. The joke's on me though since I bought it anyway!]

This shadow has a really divine texture--smooth, creamy, and with enough pigment and shimmer to show up as silver and not grayish white, but not so much that my coworkers will think I've just come from a rave. (Do they have raves anymore? I have no idea. Man, I'm getting old). I did have some fading by the end of the day but I was using the primer that came in the Tarte 500 Point Perk Kit and not my usual lovely Laura Mercier Eye Basics so your mileage may vary. I wore it with a very, very thin line of black liner, black mascara, and soft peachy pink cheeks and lips (Paul and Joe 16 Face Color and 40 Lipstick) and it was a very nice look overall, and different for me.

I've only used it once so it's too early for a full review, but I really liked the Josie Maran sunscreen today. Look for a review in a week or so. I'm also kind of enamored of the Tarte 500 Point Perk Kit. If that's still available when you place your Sephora order, it's worth picking up.

Blog Sale!

It's that time again--out with the old to make room for some new!
Nars Cream Blush in Loukoum- used 4 times. Rose coral with subtle shimmer. Retails for $26.Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Surat- a chubby long lasting pencil that can be used as shadow and liner. A plummy taupe shimmer. Used 2-3 times. Retails for $22.Senna HD Hydra Cover Concealer Palette in Light- Three corrective cream concealers cover every flaw yet look natural due to a proprietary complex of advanced technology HD mineral light reflecting pigments that minimize the appearance of blemishes, pigmentation and redness while brightening under eye darkness. Hyaluronic Filling Spheres hydrate skin while filling in deep wrinkles and expression lines. Licorice extract helps reduce water retention to ease under eye puffiness and diminish the appearance of dark circles. Used twice, brush never used. Retails for $38.Laura Mercier Evolution of Colour Lip Palettes in Pink Suede and Brown Suede- four different moist powders (if you can believe that!) in one chic palette. The premise behind the palette is to make your makeup transition from day to night super easy! These are lip colors with the lightest feel and softest texture. The shades are all wearable and gorgeous. Each palette retailed for $28.

Tarte Cheek Stain Mini in Blushing Bride and Lock and Roll in Rose Gold- The Cheek Stain is the small .17oz/4.8g size. Used once. Has protective cap over top of color. Rose Gold is a stunning warm champagne color with a hint of rose. One side is a long wearing liquid shadow, the other a sparkling loose shadow that rolls over top. Each size used twice.Jouer Age Repairing Brightener in Medium- Instantly illuminate eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines with this rich, emollient brightener that moisturizes, increases skin’s immunity and fights free radicals with concentrated Dermaxyl® Complex, Orchid Complex, Camellia Oil, and Vitamins A, B & E. Retails for $32. I'm not sure how many times it was used but in the picture the product is rolled up all the way so you can tell how much is left.Susan Posnick ColorMe in Camelia- a delightfully easy-to-apply face color for cheeks, eyes, and anywhere else you desire lush blush. This travel-friendly makeup comes in a petite self-dispensing pot with an attached puff and mirror for easy application. Used twice. Camelia is a gorgeous shimmery peachy pink. Retails for $32.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal- used twice. A water-based moisturizer with an SPF of 20+ and light-diffusing particles of shimmer that creates instant radiance and vitality and reduces imperfections. Contains ultra-fine mica to reflect light, making the skin appear healthy and glowing

The shimmering properties also help illuminate darkened patches of the skin and even out skin tone. Contains broad spectrum SPF 20+ to protect against 96% of both UVA and UVB rays. Contains anti-oxidant vitamins A, B, D, and E to aid in tissue repair, increase collagen renewal and moisture holding capacity, while simultaneously protecting against pollution and free radical damage. Contains soothing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ingredients. Retails for $41.
Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Solid Perfume- a blend of guava, pomelo and coconut. Used once. Smells just like the tropics! Retails for $9.
Mineral Fusion Eye Shadow in Stone- a super smooth pressed mineral eye shadow in the perfect brown taupe. Used once or twice. Retails for $17.Zoya Nail Polishes in Erika (pale pink with gold sparkle), Lola (matte bright pink with blue-purple iridescence and shimmer), Sephora Nail Polish in Bois de Rose (deep rose with silvery shimmer particles), Essie Nail Polish in Eternal Optimist (a nude pink) and Lancome Nail Polish in Exotique Kiss (a coral with a gold shimmer explosion!)- each used once. Zoya retails for $7, Sephora $6.50, Essie $8 and Lancome $18.

Bare Escentuals Feather Light Mineral Veil- small size (about the size of one of their full size eye shadows). A sheer finishing powder with sparkle to highlight and reflect light. Used once or twice.
Origins Sheer Stick in Pink Lemonade (used 2-3 times- a sheerish coral pink that retails for $13.50) and Eye Brightening Color Stick (an ice blue shade to use on the inner corners and under the brow to wake up tired eyes. Used twice. Retails for $14).
I'd like to sell the whole lot for $85 or best offer (Paypal only please) and will include a bunch of extras, samples, and presents! Thanks for looking!

Lancone Le Crayon Kohl in Black Coffee

I think that Lancome is a seriously underrated brand. Sure it's ubiquitous, many of us grew up watching our mothers and grandmothers use it, and their fragrances are an instant migraine for me, but they have some terrific products, their eye liners and mascaras being exceptional in my opinion. Lancome Artliners and my Holy Grail liquid liners and when I wanted a deep dark bittersweet chocolate color eye pencil, I opted for Lancome Le Crayon Kohl in Black Coffee. This pencil consistently garners raves and when I saw that ebay was full of them for $10 instead of the $23 retail price, I I couldn't hold out.

According to Lancome, Le Crayon Kohl is "[t]he smoky, smudgy eye pencil.

A creamy-smooth pencil for lining, defining, colouring and contouring eyes. Formulated to glide on easily and blend beautifully for dramatically defined to soft and smoldering effects."

The pencil comes in 6 shades and is a good value, even it full price, since it is very long. Black Coffee is a brown so dark it is approaching black, but without any of the harshness or blueness of a black eye liner. It goes on incredibly smoothly with no tugging or dragging. This also means that it smudges easily. I don't have much of a problem with liner smuding on my top lids, but did learn that this guy is not good on the bottom or inner rim.

Two thumbs up, especially if you can snag it on ebay or in order to get a Gift with Purchase.
The flash makes the pencil look a bit warmer and lighter than it actually is, through the swatch is very true to color.